Smart, Globe ship 150,000 new iPhones over holiday season

MANILA, Philippines - Mobile carriers Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. shipped a little over 150,000 units of iPhone5s and iPhone 5c for subscribers of the newest Apple handset in time for the Christmas season.

Data from the Common Carriers Authorization Department (CCAD) of the state-run National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) showed Globe and Smart brought 152,010 units of iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c into the country as of Dec. 13.

Globe imported 95,580 units consisting of 58,680 units of iPhone 5s and 36,900 units of iPhone 5c.

On the other hand, Smart shipped 56,430 units consisting of 35,520 units of iPhone 5s and 20,910 units of iPhone 5c.

Both Globe and Smart launched the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c to subscribers last Nov. 15. Apple launched the models Sept. 10.

Globe’s subscriber base reached 36.5 million as of end-September consisting of 34.53 million Globe and TM prepaid subscribers and 1.98 million postpaid subscribers while that of the PLDT Group reached 72.5 million consisting of 31.9 million for Talk N’ Text, 24.7 million for Smart, and 15.8 million for Sun Cellular

Globe head of corporate communications Yolly Crisanto earlier said the launch of the new iPhone models was a result of the long history of successful partnership between Globe and Apple.

She said the company is confident this year’s launch of new Apple devices would be equally, if not more successful, than the previous year.

“By experience, Apple launches in the Philippines happen at around this time nearing Christmas which is really a good time to reward oneself or loved ones with the latest device,” she stressed. 

For his part, Smart spokesman Ramon Isberto earlier said the Philippine market would likely replicate the success of other markets since Apple released the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.

The take up of new models in other markets, specifically the iPhone 5S, has been strong. The new iPhones will probably do well here as well,” Isberto said in a text message.

iPhone 5s redefines the best smartphone experience in the world with amazing new features all packed into a remarkable thin and light design, including the Apple-designed A7 64-bit chip, all-new eight megapixel iSight® camera with True Tone flash and introducing Touch ID™, an innovative way to simply and securely unlock your phone with just the touch of a finger.

iPhone 5c features an all-new design, packed with features people know and love like the beautiful four-inch Retina® display, blazing fast performance of the A6 chip, and the eight megapixel iSight camera – all while delivering great battery life.? iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c both offer more LTE bands? than any other smartphone in the world and include all-new FaceTime® HD cameras.

iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c come with iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone, featuring a stunning new user interface, completely redesigned with an elegant color palette, distinct, functional layers and subtle motion that make it feel more alive. iOS 7 has hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop®, enhanced Photos, Safari®, Siri® and introduces iTunes Radio?, a free Internet radio service based on the music you listen to on iTunes®.